I'd Rather Have the One Who Holds My Heart

by Torian

A stubborn Prince Sesshomaru turns half demon after failing his deceased father's character test. When Kagome friends all die, Sesshomaru takes her in and must find value in loving her as a human or he will never earn his full powers back to run his Kingdom; Kagome must protect a Greek Goddess-crafted bow from a Titan or risk unleashing a violent War of Gods onto the world.

10. AridonKagome Vs KagomeKagome

*I hope everyone has had a fabulous vacation for the holidays and a happy new year. I have, away from college, relaxing and doing what I want. Sorry, I know I should have updated like 3 chapters over the long break so I do apologize. But I love this story, yay! Relax, enjoy it. Chapter 10: "Kagome's Face Off: Aridon-Kagome vs Kagome-Kagome."

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After the horrible scream everyone quickly ran to Kagome's room. Opening her door to stand in the doorway were Makato, Rin, Arielle, and Nardisia. Kagome was on the floor crying, her hand around her neck. The girls hesitantly walked over towards her.

"Kagome?" called Arielle concerned.

"Are you alright what's wrong?" asked Nardisia alarmed.

Kagome turned to them; her face a bit faded purple, her eyes weak. The girls gasped and ran over to her.

"Oh my god what happened!" panicked Makato trying to help her up.

Kagome released her neck and the girls all stepped back to see the leeching figure covering her neck glowing purple, as though it was draining Kagome's energy.

"What is that!" panicked Rin pointing to it.

Makato's face turned grave," It's the curse mark."

The girls turned to her, "Are you sure Makato? It couldn't have developed this far along could it?" asked Nardisia.

"It's very well possible. Do you not remember what happened last night? Aridon was really angry. Had we not been there, she could have killed Kagome right then and there," replied Makato.

"That bitch!" cursed Nardisia angrily. "Quick, what's going to happen to Kagome?"

"Yeah, isn't there something we can do?" asked Arielle concerned holding Rin.

"Argh!" mumbled Makoto frustrated rubbing her head pacing the room, "I don't know. I don't even know what kind of curse this is."

"It's conjoined hosted curse," said an unexpected monotone voice.

The girls jumped startled and turned to see Sesshomaru leaned against the wall, and in the door way were both Geninji and Jaken.

"Lord Sesshomaru..." said Rin in awe.

He looked at Kagome, her body was shivering. He then looked at Makato and directed her over at the bed. Makato nodded reading his mind and picked her up placing her on the bed.

"I don't know if this will help but," said Arielle. She picked up the Artemis Bow and placed it next to Kagome's body, "Just incase there's some protection power it has or something."

"You said the curse is conjoining hosted?" asked Nardisia.

"That is the best way to describe it yes," replied Sesshomaru simply.

"If that's the case this will be difficult, is there a way to help her?" asked Arielle.

Jaken looked over at Kagome, "Well, lucky for us this curse was already performed on King InuTaishou by Sesshomaru's mother prior to engage her wrath on him. So we do know ways to settle it."

"But there's no way to get rid of it," corrected Nardisia.

Geninji sighed and sat on the bed next to a lightly breathing Kagome, "There is. One requires...ummm," he looked at Rin. "Never mind, there are two ways of doing it. I think the best way may be for Kagome to kill the person who placed the curse on her-Aridon, though. She doesn't want the second way I assure you. It'll hurt. If we can transfer the curse on her neck onto another object we'd be fine."

"Wait, so that's why you said last night..." said Nardisia looking at Sesshomaru putting it together.

"You don't know about conjoined hosted type curses, that's funny," laughed Arielle.

"I'm not a priest that knows about healings and stuff like that I'm a fighter damn it," pouted Nardisia.

"The type of curse is the way that it sounds. When Aridon placed the curse on the human, she also inflicted a curse on herself by putting her soul in danger. They are both connected by the same curse; if the human can learn the curse for herself she too can harm Aridon just as Aridon has harmed her. Her lack of knowledge of how to do so is what Aridon is using at her advantage to make the curse one way," explained Sesshomaru.

"If any of us try to get involved in the curse, it could kill them both. If Kagome dies, so does Aridon, if Aridon dies, she goes too," said Geninji.

"That doesn't make any sense. If that's the case Aridon should be Kagome's best friend then," said Rin.

"Don't be such a fool. It's a duel," said Jaken. The girls looked at him confused and he explained, "That's where the host name comes from. Both of them are conjoined with the same curse that reaps the same fate. This is a strong form of black magic. The curse is carried by one covenant, the other marked. Both of them are bad, but the one who carries the host is usually the one at the disadvantage because if the person breaks the rules to that covenant they are punished. Then as time continues in order to keep its power intact it drains the power of its host making them weaker. There have been times where the host has even killed the person they're parasiting off of. The only way the curse is broken is that one of them has to kill the other," said Jaken.

Rin ran over to Kagome and frowned, "But it looks like she has the worst deal off. I hate Aridon!" Rin began to cry.

"The human has the better deal," said Sesshomaru lightly. They all looked at him. "She does. The curse however is still indeed dire for both parties. The human is merely at risk. But, because the curse is so deeply woven into dark magic, only envious, selfish people that are consumed in that emotion use it."

"So what Lord Sesshomaru is saying is that Kagome has a chance to come out of this alive. Aridon however does not since she has enacted the curse. Because she made the covenant which is used among deities the only value we have to offer for them to do our favors is our souls. With Aridon she's damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. If she wants Sesshomaru and doesn't get him, her soul will just get captured quicker. If, she does manage to snag the lord's heart-"

"As if..." Sesshomaru cut off.

But Geninji continued, "Then her soul would be taken once she dies."

"I guess it does kinda sound even, but doesn't that depend on what the person makes in the covenant?" asked Nardisia.

"No, all the underworld wants is souls, if you can't give that up, you won't get anything," said Makato.

Kagome slowly sat up and began coughing. "Kagome my dear you need to rest," soothed Geninji.

"I won't be treated like this. I'm not going to let her think she's won, that she can do whatever she wants to me with this curse because she's insecure and I'm human," said Kagome breathing heavily. She got up sitting on the side of her bad holding her grip onto the leech that was on her neck.

"But still Kagome you should rest, that thing," said Arielle looking at the eye moving around, "looks brutal."

"It doesn't mean I can't get up. I don't care if it is a conjoined, whatever it is," Kagome stood up, her face still purple trying to walk out the room.

"Kagome wait!" cried out Makato.

But stopping her leave was an arm going around her waist. Kagome froze and looked over to see Sesshomaru. He patiently closed his eyes and then let her go. "Human. It is not wise to push yourself when the curse is at this stage. Hold off momentarily. There is a way to get it back to its original form."

The girls drew confused faces. "Really?" said Arielle.

"It's kind of simple really. There's a plant called the Wilderbeast flower. If we can burn it and drop its ashes, it can subdue the curse back into its original form no problem, at least for the time being. It's not in a strong enough level two form for it not to work," said Geninji.

"But aren't Wilderbeast flowers more common in between the east and western boarder I thought," asked Makato thinking aloud.

"They are, meaning we'd have to travel a wee bit. Right Kagome," smiled Geninji.

But she was so angry at Aridon, she wasn't even paying attention. She was really beginning to feel the intent to kill her. Reading her mind, Makato frowned. Kagome replied to Geninji by nodding absently.

"I feel somewhat responsible for this. She is my sister. Please let me come with you Lord Sesshomaru," pleaded Makato.

"Keh," he merely replied leaving. "All of you may do as you please, but Rin," he stopped and turned to her," It's far too dangerous. You are to stay here. Is that understood?"

"Aye my Lord," bowed Rin.

He then turned back around and left.

"Are we leaving now?" asked Kagome out of breath looking at them.

"We are to leave as soon as possible. If it is now, then we should be going," said Geninji getting off of her bed.

"This sucks for you Kagome, it's like you can't even get a break," frowned Nardisia.

Kagome smiled weakly, "I'm in the demon world. Don't forget I am a prisoner here. I don't like them and they don't like me either so I'm glad we have an understanding. Besides in truth we all know," her bangs then covered her face, "It's not like I asked to be here, or in this world instead of the human world anyway."

The whole room got quiet and depressed and Kagome lifted her head up and smiled a true smile, "But when life gives you apples, make apple juice right?"

"I've never heard that one," said Rin confused.

"It only means you won't get what you want all the time in life, but just make the best with what you've got pretty much. It's fine," Kagome reached her hand out to summon the Artemis Bow to her that was on the bed but nothing happened. The girls became confused. "What's going on?"

Kagome tried harder but the bow remained on the bed and she gasped. "I can't call the Artemis Bow to me any more."

"Are you sure Kagome, you had just gotten the hang of it!" said Arielle.

"I'm positive. You guys all saw before how well I could do it," panicked Kagome.

Geninji sighed and picked up the bow and Jaken spoke, "Perhaps at one time you could. But as long as you have that leech on your neck, it's probably interfering with your course of power to summon the Artemis Bow. Who knows, if only you can use it, it probably recognizes you by your heart, with that host on your neck it probably thinks you're foreign. "

"Geese I hope not," frowned Makato with unfortunance.

Kagome telechenitically cussed and hit the wall out of frustration. "Now, now, Kagome mind your temper. Although I have compassion for your reasoning we can't let this anger get out of control. Girls take her outside; we'll probably be leaving shortly. Come Jakin," directed Geninji leaving.

"Aye my lord," Jaken followed.

Kagome sighed. "Do you need any help with anything Kagome?" asked Arielle holding Kagome's arm.

Kagome smiled and stood up straight, "I know I look really weak and perhaps terrible right now, but trust me I can walk on my own its fine."

"Good to hear, cause when your feeling better we're jumping her," said Nardisa pulling up her kimono sleeve.

"Don't taint Kagome's pureness with your personality!" reproached Arielle.

Kagome just chuckled and they all left the room. Going down the main stairs while they all laughed, Kagome turned a corner and there she bumped into Aridon.

"My, my, so the beauty finally wakes," smiled Aridon sarcastically. She then noticed Kagome's neck. "Ah, so I see the curse is in its second stage already. Congratulations. You're torture ensures my victory."

"No one asked for you to say anything. You perpetrator!" accussed Nardisia ill-tempered.

"Again with the name calling, I thought we'd be above that by now. I'm assuming you all are going to try to stop it yes?"

"Don't worry about it. Just know that the Lord will be absent for a little while," said Makato, "Just remember to inform the castle. We'll be gone as well of course."

"So I'm sure," Aridon said eyeing Kagome suspiciously.

"Why did you do that," said Kagome in a strained tone holding back her true emotion.

"What?" Aridon said confused in disgust.

"You tried to kill me last night," Kagome's voice rose, "You made this thing grow on me. And then the night before, you set me up!" electricity flashed around her as she now stood eye to eye with Aridon.

"Kagome please," begged Arielle trying to hold her back, "Not now, later."

"And so what if I did. I hold the curse in my hands. I may have been upset, but the only way this curse goes into a level two form is that you must have really enacted the curse quite often. You're getting too close to Lord Sesshomaru I see. It's the curse that's telling on you and your sins," she said matter-a-factly.

"Sesshomaru and I perhaps don't see eye to eye most of the time. But I now see what he sees, like this-you will never be fit to be with Lord Sesshomaru! You're not fit to be represented as Lady of the Western Lands!" retorted Kagome. The girls gasped in shock that she called him by his proper title realizing that she was more than fed up.

Aridon squalled in fury and used a demonic energy to push her into the air. Kagome landed on the ground pointing the Artemis Bow at her but Makato quickly intervened. Kagome then cursed to herself, she had tried pulling out an arrow but nothing came. The host was truly draining away her powers, and it was only because Makato jumped in that it appeared she was about to attack but ceased because she had intervened, not because she couldn't.

"Enough of this," said Makato strictly. Nardisia ran over to Kagome to help her up and they both glared at her. "This duel can wait. If you didn't like what you heard then leave her alone Aridon."

"You're always on her side, always!" she shouted.

"This isn't about you. Or me. This is about Kagome, and what's best for the Kingdom. Not what's in the advantage for someone else. Besides you disowned me didn't you," her stare was like that of a knife and Aridon backed down.

"You know," said a voice walking in. They all noticed that it was Jaken, "fighting inside the castle is prohibited Aridon. You're already on more than thin ice with Lord Sesshomaru, I suggest you don't push your luck." Jaken smiled.

"You grimy little toad, no one cares about you. I have my own plans that will win me in Lord Sesshomaru's favor so it doesn't matter what this little wench did to brain wash him," said Aridon flippantly tossing her hair over her shoulder leaving.

"That girl is so troublesome. Let's hurry and get what the human needs so she can kill her already, honestly," sighed Jaken.

"Is it really that simple," asked Arielle.

"All of it is complicated and complex, though I do wish it was as simple as I just said," admitted Jaken crossing his arms.

"Kagome are you alright?" asked Makato.

"Yeah. But I can't say that I'm sorry," said Kagome a bit darkly.

"No one expected you to," smiled Nardisia. "You were gonna wipe her with the Artimis Bow weren't ya?"

Kagome frowned, "I couldn't even get it to work even though I was really upset. That's why Makato jumped in. To hide that fact."

"What? Makato really?" asked Arielle.

Makato nodded with unfortunance, "We have to hurry. Apparently that host thing is a live creature and it knows what we're doing so it's trying to get as much power from Kagome as it can. I could actually read what it was thinking."

"We must be haste, Lord Sesshomaru's patience is wearing quite thin with you all," said Jaken.

"He's been waiting this whole time!" the girls panicked.

They all quickly ran down the stairs leaving Jaken there. "Hey, wait for me!"

OUT in the open field stood Gininji, Ah-Un, and Sesshomaru. The wind blew and the girls came onto the scene, Jaken following up behind them, fell on the ground and quickly squabbled back up in front of Sesshomaru. He looked down at him and Jaken panicked.

"I'm sorry it took so long my lord I-!" but Sesshomaru only placed his foot on his head looking down at him. His face seemed serene yet bored, then he kicked Jaken's head making him fall onto the ground. "Forgive me my lord." He said holding his head from the slight pain.

He looked at Kagome and then walked over to Ah-Un, "This will be your escort. It will not take us too long. Seeing as the rest of you, with the acceptance of the human and Geninji, can fly," he said simply. He looked back over at Kagome, "Human, will you be able to manage? Your condition seems to have worsened. If not, then perhaps it would be a wiser if Geninji steered."

"I'll be fine piece of cake, this thing doesn't bother me," smiled Kagome pointing at her curse mark.

"Hmm. Geninji you steer," he said giving him the bridle.

"Hey! I told you I'd be fine!" exclaimed Kagome angrily.

"Pride does not suit well on you human. It appears for you, being fine means that you are not. You told me last night that your curse did not bother you and you did not speak the truth to this Sesshomaru did you not? The mark progressing as it did is proof of this. Now get on," he ordered walking past her.

Kagome blushed embarrassed and angry as clouds began to form under Sesshomaru's feet lifting him off the ground.

"Don't take it so personal Kagome," encouraged Nardisia nervously.

"Yeah, I don't think you've ever steered Ah-Un before anyway. So I think now is bad time to learn don't ya think," smiled Makato.

"Thanks you two, I feel so much better," said Kagome sarcastically rolling her eyes. She walked over and Ah-Un kneeled down for Geninji to get on. Kagome behind him hanging on to his waist. All of them then lifted into the air behind Sesshomaru.

"Jaken, watch over the castle. This Sesshomaru is leaving everything in your care."

"Aye my Lord you can count on it!" saluted Jaken as they all headed off into the sky.

A powerful wind blew and as Jaken covered his eyes, a large bird then flew over him following after them without his notice. When Jaken walked into the castle he ran into Symphony.

"Master Jaken, breakfast is prepared but I cannot find the Lord anywhere," said Symphony.

"Did Aridon not make you aware of the Lords of the castle as well as Kagome and a few other servants' absence?" asked Jaken.

"No. She didn't," said Symphony suspiciously thinking. "Where is that demoness anyway?"

"She can't be too far. Her and the human had quite the quarrel before they left. I apologize for the lords that all of your efforts on breakfast has been wasted. But they all will be back near lunch time perhaps. Can you all make due on your duties with a few short of other servants?" asked Jaken.

"We really don't have a choice," Symphony sighed, "Oh well it can't be helped. We'll do our best master Jaken."

"Very well, you may carry on. Dismissed," he waved off flippantly walking away.

Symphony wanted to punch him for his arrogance but bowed and left.

While they were in the air Arielle and the others played in the air laughing and conversing. Kagome sighed and Nardisia flew over to her.

"What's the matter Kagome? Air sick?" teased Nardisia.

The girls laughed and Kagome smiled, "Good one," she said nodding her head with a bit of sarcasm. "I'm just a bit tired that's all, I'm fine."

"Something more is bothering you, so share," smiled Makato.

"It's really invasion of privacy to go through people's thoughts Makato," complained Kagome eyeing her suspiciously.

Makato laughed, "I didn't, and it was a trick to see if that really was the case. And what do you know, you really fell for it."

Kagome dropped her mouth and Arielle laughed, "Makato reads minds true, but sometimes, when she knows you well enough. She doesn't even have to. It's a real disadvantage."

Kagome looked down to see the leech's eye was closed, perhaps it was fast asleep. "Hey can I ask all of you something."

"Ask away," smiled Nardisia.

"Is it normally like this? You flying," asked Kagome.

"Are you kidding? We're always in the castle do you know how often we get to fly?" said Nardisia in a 'you gotta be kidding me tone.'

"It's like freedom. The last time we did this were when we were chasing you. Not to bring up ill memories. But it's like are wings in the castle were being cramped and now it gets to break free. Because of that, we're always this hyper!" said Arielle.

Kagome smiled, "That must be really nice. I had to ask. It doesn't really look like Sesshomaru enjoys the feeling as much as you guys are," she said looking over at him. "He's just so stiff. I thought flying was supposed to take away stress and give you some kind of relief but I guess that's not the case for everyone is it?"

"Ah don't mind Sesshomaru, he's always been like that. But don't let the facade fool you. He holds back his emotions alot. Instead of seeing them, he has an aura you have to sense in order to be able to see his moods. To you perhaps you can't tell the difference between when he's in a good mood or bad mood correct?" asked Geninji.

"True. He always looks like he's in a bad mood, buisness-like," said Kagome.

The girls all laughed. "You're imprisoned to be a servant here forever. You have only been here for about a month. You'll be able to tell eventually. But there is a major difference," said Makato.

"I'll say, don't push it. You'll get it trust me," assured Arielle rolling her eyes.

"I suppose. He is quiet today though, behavior wise I noticed," said Kagome boredly.

They all smiled weakly and Makato looked at her, "Kagome. Lord Sesshomaru is really worried about you right now."

"Huh?" Kagome said confused.

"It's true. He doesn't know what Aridon's done to you. I think this is the first time he may have let his emotions be known if even 'you' noticed he's acting different. I read his mind earlier. He hasn't even paid attention to our conversation the whole time about the flying thing. Even Jaken's punishment was way lighter than usual."

Kagome thought about it and realized that she was right. She looked over at Sesshomaru, in her own thoughts. Although she didn't like it, he did have his own cryptic ways of showing that he cared. But she felt kind of good about it, because she could read it. She could tell, at least from the surface that he no longer hated her as he did because she was human. Perhaps for him, like Makato, she was another ally. She just annoyed him occasionally. She then thought about Aridon beginning to feel a bit compassionate for her. Was it possible? Did Aridon truly have something to worry about between she and Sesshomaru? She didn't feel that way towards him, but perhaps it was the other way around- one way.

She watched Sesshomaru and his eyes looked back at her and he turned completely around. "Is there a problem human?" he said goaded.

"Na-nothing! Just wondered what you were thinking but that's none of my business so I'm sorry I did!" she said nervously scratching her head.

Sesshomaru cocked one of his eyebrows, "Indeed it isn't." He then faced forward and Kagome was trying to breathe and laughed nervously. What was she thinking, of course that wasn't the case.

"Kagome what are you doing!" warned Nardisia hushly.

"Yeah are you crazy, you don't just do stuff like that!" reproached Makato in the same low tone.

"Kagome if you're that tired just lye on my shoulder, we won't reach our destination for some time," suggested Geninji.

"I'm just sorda hungry. We did just leave," Kagome nervously chuckled.

"Oh shoot. That's right; humans have to eat more often. Hold on," said Nardisia. She flew ahead flying besides Sesshomaru.

He then turned to her, "Is there a problem?"

"Aye my Lord. I hate to break this to you but...the human is hungry," she laughed nervously.

"Hmm?" he then turned to look at Kagome and she blushed hiding behind Gininji's back who laughed. Sesshomaru sighed, his patience thinning, he felt a bit aggravated. "This Sesshomaru supposes with her being a human that such result would be expected. After all we did just leave without eating breakfast didn't we? However this situation cannot be helped. You may provide her with sustenance."

"Aye my lord," nodded Nardisia. She then flew back next to Ah-Un.

"I know I just pissed him off even more just now. I shouldn't have even said anything," said Kagome. Her stomach then growled.

"It's fine, your stomach would have told on you anyway," laughed Makato.

"Besides, you probably irritated him more than pissed him off," smiled Geninji.

"Oh that makes me feel much better Lord Geninji thanks," said Kagome saecastically.

"We'll be right back," said Makato.

"Someone has to stay back. Incase there's an enemy and we get attacked, so that we at least have a warning," said Geninji.

"Then I'll stay. I'm always doing the maternal things. I want to see action too you know," pouted Arielle crossing her arms.

"Okay fine, no one's making you go. No need to be so touchy," laughed Makato.

"Oh, that's just her guilt. She knows that's what she is," jeered Nardisia.

"Shut up!" blushed Arielle embarrassed. "Now get out of here before this child starves to death you stupid parakeet!"

"Hey! I'm a peacock!" laughed Nardisia as she and Makato flew towards the bottom near the trees.

"Damn her. Don't worry. You do trust that I'm capable of protecting you right Kagome?" pleaded Arielle.

"Um yeah, sure. You kicked butt with me in that other battle remember? But honestly you really shouldn't let Nardisia get to you like that," smiled Kagome nervously.

"Oh it's always been like that. But we're best friends. Two peas in a pod. I never take her seriously, it doesn't stop us from picking on each other unfortunately though," replied Arielle shrugging.

Makato and Nardisia then flew up with a basket full of fruits and vegetables.

"That was impressively quick. Were we flying over a village?" asked Geninji.

"I'll say," said Kagome just as impressed.

"Sure was. Think this will hold you for a minute Kagome," asked Nardisia handing her the basket.

"Thanks! Would you guys like-" they all then gave her sickening looks, "I'm sorry I forgot. You guys don't eat or like human food. Forgive me, it's a habit."

"It's cool. We always forget you're not a demoness. I always used to eat humans. Never thought about trying to know one. But since I met you and Rin, I really feel bad about all the potential friends I could have made," Nardisia laughed nervously.

Kagome's face flushed white out of fear and Arielle and Makato gave her a reproaching look. "You really shouldn't have told her that," said Makato.

"Ooopsie..." Nardisa laughed nervously scratching her head.

"Dumb ass..." mumbled Arielle.

"And no one but you is laughing," said Makato.

"Women are a riot. I should write a book about this honestly," complained Geninji.

"Speaking of which," Kagome snapped out of it. "Why wouldn't you have been a good suitor for me to be married off to. Even Lord Kodoichi was in shock when we told everyone at the Inauguration about that fake engagement."

The girls all gave Geninji suspicious looks. "You wouldn't have wanted him. Trust me," said Arielle.

"Is he that bad?" asked Kagome.

"You women are being a little harsh on an old man," he blushed embarrassed.

"Old my foot, you aren't gonna get away with that line on us," said Nardisia.

"You're an awesome leader Lord Geninji, but no disrespect my Lord, your ways and what you do after things are handled are not very honorary," said Makato untrustworthy.

Kagome gave him a suspicious look, "You're not a womanizer are you?"

"Uuuh, well I just have a couple female friends and we play games and train that's all. It doesn't make me anything like that..." he chuckled nervously.

"What kind of games?" Kagome said leery.

"His kind of games Kagome," emphasized Nardisia.

"Oh give me a break!" he blushed.

"That is so sad," frowned Kagome sighing, "No one in this castle is what they seem. But I can't hold back my disappointment Lord Geninji. My whole perspective of you has changed."

Listening in to that part of their conversation, Sesshomaru held back a snicker with his finger. But no one paid attention to him so he was able to get away with smiling publicly.

"Oh come now Kagome, I'm still the trusting Lord you know and love," he begged trying to shine out his innocence.

"Sure, tell me anything. No disrespect, but you sound like you might be a demon two-timer ("More than two," Arielle tried to hide in a cough. "Hey!" said Geninji), and Arielle you shouldn't talk. You cuss more than Nardisia sometimes I didn't forget that!" accused Kagome.

Nardisia smiled proudly, "That's how momma taught her she learned from the best," she pat Arielle proudly on the back but she didn't feel like she one a great prize from her fluster of embarrassment.

"Well I guess that just means you shouldn't look at the surface and that some things aren't as they seem. Even you," smiled Makato.

"Yeah. For someone in the demon world, standing up to all those demoness and handling yourself the way that way you did. Kagome, you're badass. I didn't even think a human could hold that much power. I don't care if they are a priestess," winked Nardisia.

Kagome blushed not saying anything. I guess she did grow alot, more than what she knew. She then began to eat as they continued to the area that was between the east and west.

LANDING in the woods was Aridon. She was about 120 meters away from Sesshomaru and the others. She couldn't afford to move closer, if she did, then one of them, if not Sesshomaru, would know that they were being followed.

"Awe, it looks like the little birdie escaped from her cage," said a teasing voice.

Startled, Aridon took out her claws and turned around to see Taikin.

"Keh, it's only you. I don't even know why I held back," said Aridon retracting her claws.

"We're allies remember," said Taikin patting dust off his shoulders.

"Get away from me you stupid cat!" she barked.

"I'm a cougar actually. But that's besides the point. Trying to stop them from finding the Wilderbeast flowers huh? So what happened to your seducing full moon plan?"

"That's not going to change. But if I can keep the curse at a level two long enough, then it shouldn't matter what they do. I may even kill her since she can't use the Artemis Bow. I heard her when she said it," said Aridon.

Taikin sighed, "Well this won't work and neither will the other plan. It's amazing what you will do just to be with Lord Sesshomaru and that all of your efforts are a waste," he shrugged.

"I can kill you right now you little bastard you think I'm playing? Don't mess with me," she said pulling her sharp weapon to his neck.

Taikin remained calm and sighed. "If you want Sesshomaru just become the thing that he wants," he said. He pulled out a seed and it floated over Aridon's head. Electricity hit her and magically, she transformed into Kagome. And instead of the tip of Aridon's weapon pointing at him as it was originally, it was the tip of the Artimis Bow.

"What the-?" Aridon looked at the weapon and was startled to see her claws were now that of her human hands,"You little shit! What the hell did you do to me!" she panicked.

"Don't worry; you have the same powers as Kagome, the sick face and all. Even the level two mark of the curse," he explained.

"I can see that you dumb ass!" she yelled.

"My aren't we sensitive at the mouth today," he taunted.

"Turn me back right now! This voice doesn't even belong to me. You think I want to be someone so pathetic? Besides I don't want your help!"

"This will at least chance your plan of success. Use what you are to however you see fit. You're manipulative enough. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it all out," he waved off stepping away from her.

Aridon picked up the bow pulling it back, and a flame arrow appeared, prepared to fire at her will. "I said turn me back."

"It's done by magic. The only way you'll turn back is that if you yourself break it, or if Kagome dies. Though no need to worry, if she does die you won't keep her look."

"How do I break it?" she repeated in warning.

"Don't know," he shrugged, "I guess if it fails the way that I think it might. You may just see for yourself." He then magically disappeared.

"Hey! Come back here!" she shot the arrow and it took out dozens of trees, catching on fire. "Keh, should have got him while he was still there. I can't believe I'm her, ewe. But I assume since he did it I might as well make the best of it. I'll figure something out. I better still at least be able to fly, otherwise I will raise hell!" she said angrily.

She jumped into the air and she was able to fly. "Good, some of my powers are still there. I don't want to get too far behind dealing with that fool." She then began to fly going the direction they had flown over.

THE sun was at its highest point as the Sesshomaru and the others landed in the heart of the forest and looked around. Kagome jumped off of Ah-Un and stretched. "Man Lord Geninji you weren't kidding. That was a long ride."

"The Western Lands are a large territory. Lord Sesshomaru owns it all, he's Prince of these lands," smiled Arielle.

"Prince? If his father's dead shouldn't it be..." said Kagome.

"Human," called Sesshomaru cutting her off and she froze panicked. "For your better interest, please don't be a human and form too many curiosities. If you do nothing else this Sesshomaru requests that is the only thing he requires that you follow." He said walking off.

"Sorry," Kagome mumbled nervously.

"Oh and Arielle," he paused.

"My Lord?" she panicked blushing.

He turned to her, "It is best that you learn to be steady to be quiet. Do not tell the human things that are unnecessary that will not benefit her. Do you understand?"

"Aye my Lord, my apologies. I was out of line, it won't happen again," she bowed.

"This Sesshomaru will entrust that it doesn't," he said walking off.

"Someone's a bit touchy," mumbled Geninji.

"Tell us about it," the girls mumbled lowly agreeing.

They all followed Sesshomaru to an opening, the trees blocked parts of the sun, but birds flew over the trees nonetheless. "Wilderbeast flowers are all around the area. These creatures are not taken down easily. Should this Sesshomaru assume that all are familiar with what these flowers look like?"

"Well... eh heh," Kagome said raising her hand.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and sighed heavily, "This Sesshomaru means besides the human." The others nodded, "Very well then. This Sesshomaru wishes you luck in your search. Do what you must as you see fit," Both he and Geninji then left going in opposite directions.

"Hey, don't go! I don't know what these things look like!" called Kagome. She then pouted; he was gone. "He doesn't even care, he does me so wrong!" her head then got dizzy and Arielle caught her.

"You shouldn't let Lord Sesshomaru bother you. Those are his ways, he does that to everyone. Even Lord Geninji, trust me," said Nardisia.

"Yeah, so no need to loose what little strength you have over it," suggested Makato. "Here. This is what it looks like. Hold still."

Kagome did as she was told, and suddenly, a picture filled her head that did not belong to her. The picture showed a beautiful tropical like flower. In the inside of it were yellow designs, and thorns at its sides. Suddenly, the picture turned into a gigantic plant creature, Kagome screamed jumping back.

"That's what one looks like. And when you mess with it, that's what they turn into," said Makato.

"Geese. Are they easy to find," asked Kagome.

"Honestly? No. But there are alot of them in this area. You have to spend time looking. We should probably split up too," suggested Arielle.

"No, I think the way Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Geninji has it now is more appropriate. Those plants are formidable and Kagome's not going to be able to help fight it. She'll need all of us to protect her," said Nardisia.

"She's right Arielle," said Makato.

"Sorry you guys," frowned Kagome tiredly.

"Don't worry about it. It's my sister's fault you're like this. So it's really nothing," smiled Makato, "Now lets go."

They all nodded and went in a different direction than the other lords. In the forest shined red eyes and stepping out was Aridon in Kagome's form. She smiled and looked in Sesshomaru's direction. She then looked in the direction the original Kagome went and took that route.

SESSHOMARU looked around in the forest and then stopped sighing. "This Sesshomaru grows tire of this. How long will you follow him?"

Moving from branch to branch with great speed and landing in front of him was Taikin. "Once again Sesshomaru you have no creativity or sense of fun. Boo you."

Unimpressed Sesshomaru pulled out his Tokijin sword, "This Sesshomaru is far too busy to deal with the likes of you. What purpose do you have here? For surely, if you were after the Artemis Bow you wouldn't have come after me. It is not as though the human has accompanied him."

"As I can see," he smiled.

"Then why bother this Sesshomaru. He has no patience for you, at all. He thought he sensed someone following us and it was you."

"Oh no my dear lord, it was not I-I swear it so. There is someone else here that you have more to worry with but that is not me I assure you. I just came here to see how it would work out is all," he shrugged trying to sound innocent.

"If you know something that this Sesshomaru does not then speak, otherwise you may take your leave," he said simply.

"You and her are just alike. But I suppose that if things that were similar went together then it would never be exciting than having something different. Is that why you choose the human over Aridon?"

"Do not make this Sesshomaru laugh; he can hardly take you seriously. Why has this conversation come up so suddenly? The things going on in his castle with the human and Aridon are matters that don't concern you. Or are you simply trying to scout us to find all our weak points."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Lord Sesshomaru, no opening Pandora's box," he teased patting his own hand to show discipline. "You have secrets you don't want revealed as do I. In due time I assure you. But in the mean time. How about we spar just a little. Let's see what happens when I distract you."

"What?" Sesshomaru said confused. But Taikin charged at him and Sesshomaru blocked his attack with the Tokijin. "What are you planning?"

Taikin only laughed and continued attacking Sesshomaru as their battle commenced.

MAKATO and the others walked around the forest looking through bushes and on top of trees but nothing popped up. There was still no luck.

"Doesn't part of making this hard to find is that these things I don't know, move?" said Kagome tiredly using the Artemis Bow as her crutch.

"Well that is true," laughed Makato catching both Kagome's sarcasm and irritation.

"Kagome are you okay, you look a little more ill than usual," asked Nardisia.

"Yeah, I'm just so tired," said Kagome drained sitting on a rock. She couldn't understand what was wrong with her. She felt much weaker.

Makato looked closer at her and gasped, "You guys we have to hurry. Kagome's getting worse!" Makato quickly went to her friend's side waving her hand to snap her out of it, "Kagome, whatever you do don't go to sleep."

"I'll try," mumbled Kagome weakly nodding.

There was a crack of a twig and the girls all snapped their heads up getting into battle position. "Someone's here, and I don't think it's an animal," warned Nardisia.

"You guys sensed it from before too?" asked Makato cautiously stepping forward.

"What? Were we being followed," asked Kagome in panic standing up.

"Yeah, and for some time too," Arielle then gasped, "Kagome look out!" she panicked picking her up and they all jumped out of the way. A fire arrow shot into a tree near them.

"What the-?" Makato said confused. Another one was then fired around another portion of the woods, and then another. Next thing they knew, the portion of the woods they were in turned into a forest fire.

"Guys we gotta get out of here now!" cried Nardisia pulling out her sword. The others pulled out their weapons as more fire arrows hit the trees setting them on fire.

They all began to run looking around trying to find the direction in which the arrows were coming from but they couldn't tell. Kagome rode on Arielle's back holding on to the Artimis Bow coughing.

"Hang on Kagome!" encouraged Arielle looking back at her. A tree then unexpectedly fell in front of her, but she quickly jumped over it. "Shit!"

"Be careful, the fire is spreading quickly," warned Makato. She quickly ducked past a tree that was falling towards her.

"Should we fly," coughed Nardisia.

"I don't think I can carry Kagome though," said Arielle. "Huh?" She then looked over and gasped, an arrow hit her and she dropped Kagome on the ground. "No!"

Makato and the others stopped and gasped to see Kagome not with her. Arielle flew with speed trying to go after her but too many trees were falling in her way. In the mist of the smoke, Kagome was on the ground, a shadow figure behind her. "KAGOME!" cried Arielle, tears filling her eyes. Nardisia quickly grabbed her before she was killed by another falling tree. "No, wait please!" Arielle begged.

"We have to trust she'll get out on her own, we have to keep going. She's beyond our help right now. I'm sorry Arielle. Let's go," pushed Nardisia.

Arielle looked back and they continued running until they both seen a cliff with a waterfall at the end, the fire merely behind them. And so, they jumped into the water for their escape.

DURING Sesshomaru and Taikin's battle Sesshomaru immediately stopped and looked over in his opposite direction. A slash mark went pass his cheek and there were three claw marks. Sesshomaru looked at him angrily and looked back over, his nose beginning to sniff the air. Birds began to caw and fly away from them as he noticed smoke in the sky. He then placed his sword back in his sash and quickly ran off.

But Taikin quickly cut him off from continuing, "Oh come now Lord Sesshomaru play time can't be over just yet!" He threw more attacks at Sesshomaru who easily dodged them all.

Something just didn't make sense. Two things were wrong. For one, he smelled smoke, and lots of it-a fire. The second thing that worried him. He could smell the human's blood. He was confused. Just what was going on?

Taikin then jumped in front of him, "It's not nice to leave your guest in a middle of a party Sesshomaru."

"Obviously you don't know what I'm known for. Enough games mongrel. Out of my way. Usually I wouldn't mind taking you out. But unfortunately other matters call for my attention," he said stressed.

"Ah, but see the game doesn't work that way Lord Sesshomaru you and I both know. I'm sure you can understand why I'll try to the best of my ability to keep you here of my own free will," Taikin crossed his arms.

"Then you have a problem because for what you're trying to do... I am not interested," Sesshomaru charged towards him pulling out his Tokijin and unleashed the demonic power it held. The power blew Taikin far away and Sesshomaru continued running to the direction the fire was in.

Taikin sat up and chuckled, "My, aren't we protective. Ah well, I suppose the rest is all up to Aridon."

WHEN Kagome got up after Arielle dropped her she continued to cough. She turned over to see a shadow lift up an object. Kagome gasped and rolled out of the way tripping the shadow by kicking the shadow's leg and began to try to run in another direction. She gasped trying to dodge the fire trees. A tree nearly fell on her but only caught her sleeve catching on fire. Kagome screamed, her arm burning. She then rolled onto the ground taking out the fire and coughed. She was already weak, the smoke inhalation was making it worse, she could barely see. Her arm was burnt, bruised and bleeding and when she seen a small opening, she ran as fast as she could. Fire arrows went over her head as she ran, jumping through the opening. When she opened her eyes she seen a waterfall with water at the bottom to notice she was over a cliff.

She then screamed, "Inuyasha!" she cried. She then gasped. That was right. Inuyasha was dead. He wouldn't come for her. He could never come for her. He was not there to. And Makato and the others were long gone. She was falling off of a cliff plunging into what may be her death, and she felt just as alone as she felt when she first lost her friends after their battle against Naraku.

She then closed her eyes crying, a vision coming to mind. The person who saved her from being eaten by demons after the battle against Naraku, and saved her from the other monster when she had found Rin. In every battle, somehow he was always there saving her, protecting her. She felt weird, and never thought about it. Sesshomaru. Yes he had an attitude problem, but he was efficient, and he was always there when it counted. Somehow, it made her calmer as she fell. Sesshomaru...he really wasn't so bad. Somehow if she died, she felt the need at least if it was the last time-to see him again. She then cried out, "SESSHOMARU!"

During Sesshomaru's run his whole expression changed into panic and shock from hearing the human cry out his name. When he approached the forest fire, he didn't even hesitate. He merely took out his Tenseiga and slashed through the air. The wind healing the trees and stopping the fire.

"She will not die," he mumbled with fear and frustration. He then remembered the Tenseiga could heal 100 people in one swing, just as with Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga's wind scar could slay 100 demons in one strike. He wanted to find her bad enough and became frustrated. His sword began to glow green as Sesshomaru ran through the fiery forest, dodging the falling trees. Sesshomaru looked at his sword noticing the change of its state and looked back up, then suddenly, everything turned into green wind slashes. "I see. I have to strike through it."

Sesshomaru then stopped and spun his sword into the scar he seen, "Wind Restoration!" he cried out resiliently. He spun in a full circle and a green wind circle surrounded him as on all sides of him a large green wind went across the fire stopping it. When Sesshomaru looked around, the fire was all gone, his sword emitting smoke and pulsing. Sesshomaru put the sword back in its case and looked around. With so much smoke filling the air he was having a hard time trying to find Kagome's scent. He gritted his teeth out of frustration and kept going until not too much further he seen a large cliff with a waterfall and water at the end. "I see." He then left the spot disappearing.

MAKATO and the others were coughing; they were soaked from climbing out of the river from the cliff they had jumped off of. Right now they were resting on the ground right next to the river.

"Just perfect," complained Nardisia.

"Is everyone okay?" asked Makato looking around.

"I'm here!" cheered Nardisia.

They both then looked at Arielle. She was heart broken. Nardisia and Makato looked sadly at each other and crawled over to her.

"Arielle, it's not your fault," said Makato.

"But I had her. I had her and something, I don't know what it was, but something attacked me and I had to drop her!" cried Arielle. "We have to go back."

They all looked up to see alot of smoke. "Well the fire's over now. I think it's alright," said Nardisia.

"You're so heartless! Kagome is somewhere out there and we don't even know if she's alive. You were right Nardisia. I should just do maternal things; it's what I'm best at. I'm not a fighter. I couldn't even protect her seriously when it counted. She even told me while you were gone that she trusted that I could protect her and when it came down to it I failed," she sobbed.

Nardisia froze and slapped Arielle across the face. Arielle immediately stopped crying touching her face in shock. "Don't. Don't you ever say you're not a fighter and you're MY best friend. You did every thing you could, Kagome even knows that. I probably would have dropped her myself if the situation was the way it was. It was obvious that whoever it was, wanted Kagome from the start. Don't do this to yourself. No matter if you have to watch Rin, or join in a battle Arielle, we can count on you for anything. Lord Sesshomaru can count on you for anything...that's why you're always there. He needs all of us," she encouraged.

Makato smiled, "She's right you know. Besides, we do know if Kagome's alive. Because if anything did happen, all of us would have felt it. The emptiness in our hearts because Kagome added so much to fill it. That sad lonely feeling. And I don't feel it. If anything I feel very confident. Which means-" said Makato confidently standing up, "That girl is very much alive. That I'm more than sure."

Nardisia and Arielle looked at each other and smiled standing up. "Yeah. And for a human she kicks butt. I'm almost sure that whoever's responsible for this are the guys who are after the Artemis Bow, remember?" said Nardisia.

"Yeah, that Taikin guy," recalled Arielle thinking back.

"But would he really go that far to follow us all the way out here, how would he even know that we were out here?" asked Nardisia.

"If he is out here, seeing as he hasn't attacked us for a while at the castle he's probably trying to analyze us. Who we are to each other and any holes of weaknesses, whatever. And then they'll attack. It's efficient and I'm pretty sure that's the case," said Makato thinking out loud.

"You think?" asked Arielle.

"I hope I'm wrong, but I think I know that that's the case," dismissed Makoto with unfortunace. "We have to assume the worse. I'd like to think that that shadow was Sesshomaru saving Kagome but I doubt that was the case. If it was the enemy two ultimate things probably happened. She either A: escaped and is hiding. Or B: she's fighting them right now as we speak. Either way spells trouble for her. We have to get to her as quick as possible," said Makato.

They all nodded and walked off. But Nardisia lingered behind turning around. "Is something the matter Nardisia?"

Nardisia thought for a moment and shrugged, "I Guess nothing. Just being paranoid." She then turned back around and followed behind them.

Slowly floating above the water was Aridon as Kagome smiling evilly, and then she dove back under the water.

THE sun began to decline and Kagome weakly opened her eyes to see the clouds over them. When she closed and opened them again, she saw Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru!" she gasped sitting up.

But he wasn't there, it was just her illusion. She then sighed a bit disappointed and looked around. Back in the forest, and separated from everyone. She frowned, why was she the target of everything it seemed? She wasn't in any position to even protect herself. She used the Artemis Bow as a crutch to help her stand and sighed. Then she thought in shock. She had called out to Sesshomaru. Something she thought she would never have to do. She was so used to calling out to Inuyasha and him always being there. She walked over to the running river to see her reflection and frowned. Since when did she switch teams anyway? When she frowned and turned her head away, her reflection remained and merely smiled evilly. When Kagome looked back at the river she gasped to see her evil reflection.

"What the heck?" Kagome said shocked. Her reflection then disappeared as ripples went across the water and rising out of it was Aridon in her Kagome form carrying the Artemis Bow with the level two curse and all.

Kagome was in sheer shock stepping back; she even tripped falling to the ground as the Aridon-Kagome came fully out of the water floating on top. "Perhaps what you should be saying is what the hell instead."

"I-I don't understand," stuttered Kagome confused.

"You bitch. Because you hurt yourself in the fire, my arm had to get damaged too," spat out the look alike.

Kagome gasped and growled, "I recognize that ugly attitude anywhere. Is that you Aridon? What the heck?"

"Hey, this wasn't my bright idea. Taikin pulled this shit on me," complained Aridon.

"I didn't think you'd want to be me though, as bad as you hate humans," said Kagome.

"Don't flatter yourself, this is only Taikin's form of entertainment and it's not funny," said Aridon.

"How could you partner up with the enemy and betray Sesshomaru," growled Kagome.

Aridon smiled, "I didn't. That little pussy cat just got in my way, interfering. But that's beside the point. I kill you now," she pulled out her replica Artemis Bow and a fire arrow formed.

"You started that whole fire!" Kagome said shocked.

"Bye bye!" said Aridon letting go of the arrow. Kagome gasped and quickly placed her bow in front of her. The arrow hit the bow and bounced off it and went into the air, successfully blocking it. "Impossible!"

"Huh?" Kagome said confused looking at it.

"It doesn't matter. Unlike you, I have all of your powers and can fire at will. I've always wanted a rematch anyway," she then crouched smiling evilly, "Prepare yourself!"

She charged at her and Kagome looked at her attacking replica and got into battle stance. "I won't run away. I've waited too long for this myself."

Somehow, Kagome's strength renewed and as Aridon lifted her Artemis Bow up to attack, Kagome blocked it using her Artemis Bow with just as much strength and electricity sparked with the collision.

"What? I thought you couldn't use the Artemis Bow?" Aridon said confused shocked.

"I found a reason good enough to fight. It was a new self discovery," said Kagome glaring at her.

"Yeah? And what's that?" grumbled Aridon.

"I DON'T LIKE YOUR ASS!" Kagome used the force to push Aridon back and side kicked her to the ground.

Aridon bounced onto the ground and flipped into the air standing back up wiping the blood from her mouth. "Then bring it on human."

Kagome said nothing and closed her eyes drawing her hand across the bow and magically a wind arrow appeared in between the index of her fingers. Her eyes were quite serious and Aridon smiled and charged at her pulling out an electric arrow, they both fired at will, creating an explosion of smoke. Both of them jumped back fighting one another bow to bow as though the bows were swords.

Kagome charged at her opening a fire arrow shooting it. With just as much speed, Aridon used the blow to direct the attack elsewhere and threw an electric arrow at the ground Kagome stood on. The attack blew her away almost hitting the wall of the waterfall. Immediately, Kagome's barrier enacted protecting her as she flowed into the air. Aridon jumped into the air, barrier surrounded as well. They both circled one another and charged towards one another, dodging the other's attacks. Their barriers bouncing off of one another.

Aridon then fired eight different arrows of four different elements: Fire, Spirit, Wind, and Electricity. Kagome broke open her barrier and spun her bow blocking every single one of the attacks destroying the arrows with her bow. On the last arrow, instead of blocking it, she hit it at Aridon and the attack was a success. Aridon fell onto the ground. Kagome charged at her and Aridon quickly blocked it with her Artemis bow holding her off and kicked her in the stomach flying off into the air sliding on the ground. The Artemis Bow fell into the stream, but immediately Kagome summoned it back and it came into her possession once again. She was breathing evenly holding up her bow and pulled her fingers back as Aridon sat up preparing herself. Aridon then gasped to see the arrow that revealed was a regular arrow that glowed pink.

"You're my copy cat. But this is my signature move. You can't copy this," Kagome's whole body then began to glow pink.

"You're fighting style is totally different. Why?" Aridon growled angrily.

"A wise person once told me that you need to have a reason to fight, something to you that is worth important. It could be physically like a loved one, or a characteristic as silly as pride. Those who were in the castle that trained me taught me that. I didn't understand that before and I thought I would have to search the rest of my life to find that reason. But I was wrong," she gripped her bow tighter pulling the arrow back, "I found my reason to fight (Memories of Rin and her other servant friends, Makato, Nardisia, and Arielle went through her mind)." Kagome closed her eyes and then thought of Sesshomaru lastly. "Perhaps your reason to fight isn't stronger than mines. And that's really just...too bad for you, Aridon. I'm protecting the people I care about away from you!" Kagome without hesitation then released the arrow. Aridon tried to block it with her Artemis Bow, but the sphere of the arrow began to pierce through the bow cracking it. Aridon gasped pulling back and took in the full impact of the arrow and fell into the water.

The glow around Kagome stopped and she walked to the water as Aridon then ran off. "Oh no you don't!" said Kagome. She took careful time to aim pulling a wind arrow, quickly releasing it so that it hit the ground making Aridon crash. Aridon held her shoulder, blood streaming from it as she weakly sat up.

"Kagome!" called a voice.

Aridon looked up and smiled as Makato and the others entered the scene and they gasped.

"Kagome!" cried Arielle.

They ran over to Aridon helping her up, and in Kagome's voice Aridon said, "Aridon."

"What?" they all said shocked.

"Aridon did this. Don't be fooled she's...she's..." she pointed behind her as they prepared taking their weapons out. Running through the forest then came Kagome.

"What?" the others said shocked lowering their weapons.

"You guys, thank goodness!" she then seen Aridon and dropped her mouth, "You didn't Aridon!"

"I don't understand, there's two of them!" said Nardisia looking back to back.

"One of them is our Kagome and the other one is the fake. Aridon likely, but which one?" said Makato looking back to back.

"I am!" Aridon and Kagome said in unison.

"Guys you have to know me come on!" pleaded Kagome walking towards them.

"Back away, Kagome-Aridon, whoever!" said Arielle raising her weapon. "Look, if you're really Kagome we'll find the real you, or prove you're who you are. And if you're Aridon-"

"I'm kicking your ass you bitch! You almost busted me on fire!" snapped Nardisa at both of them. Both Kagomes then frowned innocently and the girls were in shock.

"Geese, you'd have thought that'd work," said Makato astonished.

"Yeah, Aridon's all over it with comebacks when Nardisia gets like that," said Arielle taping the side of her face thinking.

"She's trying really hard to conceal herself!" they both said in unison, "Stop copying me. They will find you Aridon, stop it, stop it, stop it!"

"Will you both just shut up!" snapped Makoto and they looked at her.

Kagome then spoke, "Makato you're my best friend. You have to know it's me, I flew on Ah-Un and Nardisia and you were right next to me! We were talking about flying and everything together; Geninji was a womanizer, that conversation!"

"Okay, now I think she's Kagome," pointed Arielle.

"We talked about Sesshomaru's moods and I got really hungry remember? And I was too embarrassed about it but Nardisia went and asked him if I could get something to eat! I wished I wouldn't have said anything but my stomach growled and Makato said that it would have told on me, remember?" said Ardion panicking.

"Okay this one's really good too," pointed out Nardisia.

"They're both really good," thought Makato, "And convincing. Either way, Aridon was really ease dropping our conversation to know specifics like that."

"How could you know that?" Kagome said confused. She then remembered, "You were the one tailing us just like Makato was saying earlier!"

"That's how you know the details of our conversation. Demons can hear far away to a certain degree, you planned this all along. I feel sorry for you Aridon!" cried out Aridon.

"I have a headache," said Makato rubbing her head frustrated.

"I know, why don't we give them a trivial, something that only Kagome would know," suggested Nardisia.

"I don't think that's too bad of an idea," shrugged Arielle.

"Alright Kagome and Aridon, which ever is who," she said going back and forth, "What's my secret kept from Lord Sesshomaru."

"You can systematically communicate with more than one person telekinetically," Aridon and Kagome said in unison.

"Okay, that's dark trouble that even Aridon knows that," said Nardisia eyeing Makato suspiciously. They both nodded, "Okay. What's Rin's favorite meal."

"Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich," they both said.

"Apparently, Aridon paid more attention to things than we gave her credit for," said Arielle. "Makato you can't read their minds to tell?"

"Even the voices of their minds are the same; they're both pleading the same thing: I'm the real Kagome. So no I can't tell," said Makato.

"Well I'll be damned," said Nardisa crossing her arms.

"Wait. Kagome was really weak, lets get them to fight!" said Arielle. "Even though it looks like they both just got out of one."

"Eh, I'm good with that. Though I'm shocked, that's usually my field, to go violent," chuckled Nardisia.

"That's brilliant Arielle," said Aridon. Kagome looked at her suspiciously, "After all, the curse had weakened me before the fire happened that Aridon started."

"I rode on Arielle's back!" cried out Kagome.

"Enough!" commanded a voice that shut everyone up. They all looked over to see that stepping out from the woods was Sesshomaru. He had scratches and burn marks all over his kimono as well as dirt. Blood coming down at different places on his face.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" all but the Kagomes spoke.

Makato then spiked her head over and looked at both of them in alarm. "What is it Makato," asked Nardisia

"I read both of their minds just then," she replied turning back to the others, "And one of them in thought said "Lord" Sesshomaru and the other just said his name. But because Aridon's voice is disguised perfectly to Kagome's I can't tell which is hers or not."

"Giving them a trivial will not work in anyone's favor. Aridon has served me since forever, and the human knows a good amount. And even if such wasn't the case, all Aridon would have to do is copy her movements," he said.

"So shouldn't we just let them fight my Lord?" asked Arielle.

"It would serve no purpose. This Sesshomaru has seen their battle earlier. It was quite prolific, I believe the human has found her reason to fight," he said closing his eyes looking at Kagome.

Kagome smiled wholeheartedly, "Yeah."

"I finally understand it," said Aridon trying to sound the way Kagome did.

Sesshomaru smiled, "Someone is good at acting. This Sesshomaru cannot suppress, he is amused."

"There's no time for this Sesshomaru this is serious!" snapped Kagome.

Aridon hesitated, she had never defied the Lord but she had to "be" Kagome, for surely she was surrounded and it would be better for Kagome to get caught instead of her. "Yeah, we can't let Aridon get away like this be more serious!"

"Do you know who it is? Can you tell?" asked Makato looking back and forth. Hoping to catch one of them off guard who wasn't paying attention.

"No. But this Sesshomaru does know a way how. Aridon is a jealous creature. She'll come out if this Sesshomaru does something to the real Kagome, or her for that matter, to make her upset or excited," he determined.

Kagome grew confused, then in unison, not done purposely even by Aridon, said, "What are you gonna do?"

"This Sesshomaru requests that both of you stand side to side of one another," he said. They looked leery at one another and did as they were told.

Sesshomaru then removed the top half of his kimono. Both girls blushed and the marks reacted at the same to electrocuting them.

"I can't believe the Aridon-Kagome even went to the extent with the curse mark as well," said Nardisa impressed.

"Definitely to the t alright," complimented Makato truly impressed.

Sesshomaru merely looked at Makato for a moment and she nodded understanding the directions he told her telekinetically. Makato nodded and told Nardisia and Arielle to stand back and they followed directions. Kagome averted her eyes from him and Aridon turned away her whole head. There was a large amount of awkward silence and the wind cryptically blew in. Sesshomaru first walked over to Aridon and stared at her. She looked up at him blushing, many thoughts clouding her mind. And then, he embraced her. Kagome looked at him as though he was crazy, what would a hug accomplish? After a long moment, he let her go and faced the real Kagome. As he walked over to her, he smiled an evil grin. Kagome became a bit nervous until he faced her.

"Should I embrace you too, you seem a bit disturbed," he said simply.

"Do whatever you want. I just want to be proven to be the real one. I don't care", she shrugged. "Though I don't know what hugging will do." Kagome blushed.

Nardisia and Arielle blinked quickly realizing that she was the real one and Sesshomaru responded, "Very well then."

Instead of embracing her like he had with Aridon, he slipped his right hand around her waist to her back and held her with much more passion. "Uh, Sesshomaru what are you doing? This is too close!" Kagome panicked blushing fire red, her mark electrocuting her fiercely.

"You think so," he whispered in her ear seductively and lightly bit nipped at it. Kagome let out a shocking gasp of air feeling nervous and awkward as Makato and the others blushed panicked.

"Uh, I'm really not Aridon you know this by now right, no need to go overboard!" panicked Kagome exasperated trying to push him off, but she was too weak. Not human weak, but broken down from the sexual advance he pulled. Nardisia and Arielle prepared themselves as they seen the other Kagome glow a fiery demonic red power and Makato nodded.

"Found you sister!" said Makato.

Sesshomaru smiled and then stopped as an explosion erupted. Sesshomaru had quickly jumped out of the way with Kagome in his possession. When the smoke cleared, Aridon was back to her normal self. She was on the ground unconscious thanks to Makato and the others attacking her all at once. She lye on the ground unconscious, tears flowing from her eyes, her weapon going back to normal, a crack going through the middle of it.

"That was a bit cruel," mumbled Kagome. "But wait-! You knew who I was from the start didn't you!" accused Kagome.

"This Sesshomaru assures that he was just as clueless," he shrugged nonchalantly.

"I don't believe you! You did that on purpose, you're no better than Geninji!" said Kagome.

"You may believe what you please human. What happened was just as much discomfort to me as it was for you," he said.

"Oh shut up and save it. I already don't believe you," pouted Kagome crossing her arms turning away from him. "But, despite I didn't agree with your mechanisms." She sighed and hesitantly looked over at him, "Thanks for saving me. Again."

"It appears you've really done a number on her this time on your last battle," he said landing on the ground putting her down.

"Her reason to fight wasn't stronger than mines," said Kagome simply while looking at her steamed unconscious body.

"Sometimes human, in battles, that's how it is. Though this Sesshomaru must admit," Kagome turned to him as he continued, "he is relieved to see that you are well. He thought he heard you shout his name at one point."

Kagome blushed embarrassed. "Nope, it was all in your mind," she lied turning away from him laughing nervously.

Sesshomaru looked at her confused; he was sure he heard it. His dog hearing had never been mistaken so why would she tell an obvious lie? He sighed inwardly and just ignored it going with the flow. Humans were strange enough as it is, demoness were bad. So he wasn't dare going to question a human female.

Coming from the air was Ah-Un, and riding on top was Geninji. Makato and the others joined Sesshomaru and Kagome as Geninji jumped off the dragon and sighed.

"Judging by everyones condition, I guess Arielle didn't miss all the action this time but apparently I did. I'm envious. And it looks like there was a fire somewhere along the line my goodness," he looked over to see Aridon's body and shook his head sympathetically, "And somehow, Aridon got involved in this. I don't even care what happened, but here," he turned to Kagome and opened his hands. They were ashes from a Wilderbeast flowers.

"Is this?" asked Kagome. Geninji nodded. Kagome smiled, "Thank you Lord Geninji." Kagome bawled her hands into fists and began to sprinkle the ashes around the leech eye creature attached to her neck. It screamed in agony as Kagome placed her whole ash filled palm on it as it began to melt away dying off. She rubbed the ashes on her skin to be sure she got all of it. When she let go there was a small scar across her curse mark; the tattoo skeleton curse mark was back. "Man, now that I see that this is normal I'm glad to see its how it needs to be." Kagome smiled.

"Leave it to a human to say nonsense as such," sighed Sesshomaru walking off.

"Hey! I'd rather be burned, than set on fire to die!" called out Kagome.

"You made that point clear," said Sesshomaru looking at her arm. Kagome blushed covering it. "You are... a very clumsy human. So breakable. It's quite inconvenient." Clouds then formed under Sesshomaru as he began to float into the air and headed off.

"Honestly, that guy is more mysterious than those so called secrets at the castle Aridon kept going on about. Whatever those are," said Kagome.

They all looked at her in alert. "She didn't say anything else about them did she," asked Makato.

"No," replied Kagome.

"Good. Then don't worry about it. Let's get home," smiled Makato.

"What about Aridon," asked Arielle looking over at her body.

"I'll take her," said Makato.

"Are you sure she wouldn't be too heavy to fly with? We have a long way. We could just leave her there you know," said Nardisia.

"She is still my sister Nardisia," smiled Makato getting at her friend's gesture.

"Ha, I see no relation. You're twins but so what. Besides, she disowned you," said Nardisia.

"True. I understand how you feel, but. Words will never change the reality that the blood is the same nevertheless," Makato wispily countered.

"How unfortunate for you," mumbled Nardisia with total sarcasm.

"That's not really nice," said Arielle.

"She can just ride Ah-Un," offered Kagome.

"It's fine," said Makato picking up Aridon's unconscious body on her back. "I got it."

"If you're sure," said Kagome timidly. She hopped on Ah-Un and they all flew into the air following after Sesshomaru.

DINNER TIME AT THE CASTLE

Sesshomaru stepped on Jaken's head squishing it as he squabbled for air and Sesshomaru stepped on it harder.

"Forgive me my Lord I didn't mean to displease you! I wasn't aware of Aridon's absence until it was too late!" he squabbled out.

Sesshomaru then skillfully used the tip of his foot to spring him up to kick him through a statue stand. The statue then fell onto his head and he went unconscious. They had all just arrived and besides the absence of Makato and Aridon, everyone who had traveled with him was there, including Rin. They all formed sweat drops chuckling nervously.

"I almost feel sorry for the toad," said Nardisia lowly.

"I think maybe he should just be quiet," mumbled Rin sorrowfully.

"I think you're right, because he keeps making it worser for himself," said Kagome in the same tone.

"He's used to it," laughed Geninji. "Let them have fun."

"This situation should not have to be seen to happen again is this Sesshomaru understood Jaken?" warned Sesshomaru irritated.

"Aye my lord," Jaken mumbled painfully.

He looked at the mess he made and turned to his servants pointing to it. "That needs to be taken care of, and shouldn't be there when this Sesshomaru returns through here. All of you are dismissed and your duties are returned." He then walked down the corridor going towards the Northern Wing.

"What's with the mood swings geese," mumbled Nardisia after he was clearly long gone.

"Whose gonna clean that up?" asked Geninji looking at the mess with the unconscious Jaken in it.

"I'll get it," volunteered Kagome.

"Are you sure Kagome? You've had quite a day, perhaps I could talk to Sesshomaru to see to it that you've retire the rest of the night," said Geninji.

"Yeah, I'm a bit worried too," agreed Rin. "I mean, I hate to see that skull thingy there, but at least its not draining the life out of you."

"No need to spoil me you guys I'm fine," laughed Kagome modestly.

"Yeah, she's a warrior!" Nardisia said putting her arm around Kagome's neck squeezing it.

"I can't breathe and your feathers are getting in my mouth," Kagome complained choking.

"Sorry," Nardisia apologized letting her go.

WALKING through the halls Makato frowned. She couldn't believe the extent her sister was going to get rid of Kagome. She loved them both and didn't want to see anything happened to either of them. But why? How was it that after all these centuries, as cold as Sesshomaru is that Aridon could be so obsessed with him and he still pays her no mind? She just could not understand.

Interrupting her thoughts she had seen Sesshomaru coming towards her. "Oh! My Lord!" she bowed.

"How is Aridon fairing?" he asked simply.

"Kagome really gave it to her this time. But it seems like she's more emotionally hurt than anything else," replied Makato.

"Heh. She'll get over it," he said walking past her.

"Wait! Lord Sesshomaru!" she called turning to him.

Sesshomaru turned to her, "Stepping in for your sister's defense is quite impossible right now."

"I know it my Lord. That was not my intent," she said truthfully.

He then looked at her, "Then what ails you Makato?"

"I just-" she stopped mid-sentence hesitating feeling guilty for what she was about to ask.

"Do not hesitate," Sesshomaru immediately gestured.

"Forgive me. My sister's actions have been way over the top. And I know punishment, especially for not only disobeying your orders with Kagome, but leaving the castle as well which is forbidden. I seek to understand her more my Lord by understanding you," she reasoned.

Sesshomaru looked at her confused cocking one of his eyebrows, "You have served me for many years. This Sesshomaru does not understand what it is that you are trying to accomplish. Understanding your sister is beyond my help as well as yours."

Makato put her head down discouraged and ashamed frowning," Perhaps. But she is still my sister and my twin at that. I know, and excuse my disrespect, that sibling blood isn't treasured maybe as high to you from your experience my Lord. But I do grow concerned. Her attacks against Kagome have become more violent as of recent. She turned into her. How far do you think this will escalate? I only wish to know if something happened. Even if you thought it was small, if there is anything that you remember Lord Sesshomaru, I mean anything-to give her the idea that after all these centuries that she even stood a chance at being with you? For her not to get the clue?"

There was a silence, Sesshomaru's face turned dark and he turned away from her responding, "There is nothing."

Makato read his mind, but got nothing and nodded. "Thank you," she bowed, "I'm sorry to have disturbed you my Lord. Dinner will be ready shortly."

"Thank you. My business with you is done here correct?" he questioned.

"Aye my lord," she said timidly.

He nodded and then walked off. Makato sighed looking back at Aridon's room. Something was wrong, and she knew it was something besides the prophecy. But from speaking to Lord Sesshomaru and reading his mind, she only guessed that whatever it was, just like the curse, it would be Aridon's secret from everyone in the castle. She blew it off and then headed to the kitchen.

Sesshomaru's face remained dark as he walked faster through the corridors. Secrets. Why were there always so many secrets in the castle? He had completely forgotten about the whole thing. And until Makato mentioned it, he had erased it all from his memory. He dug his hands through his hair and his forehead scrunched with frustration. Perhaps yes, the reason for the human's disposition with Aridon was his fault. He walked into his familiar garden. Blue flowers grew there, plants everywhere as though it was a green house. Birds flew inside and there was a small lake that ran through. He walked inside and sat down leaned against the wall watching the moon thinking. Perhaps that's why he was so jumpy, not only because perhaps he had concern for the human's well being. But because of that lingering secret he had buried with time. Still, he thought about his actions and what he did with the human. He took in a huge amount of air, inhaling her scent that had been all around the garden. He had guessed that this was her favorite spot. He had to admit, that even he could not fool the human. He knew which Kagome was real from the start. But for a human she smelt nice, and nipping her ear she tasted...

Sesshomaru snapped out of his thoughts remembering before when he licked her blood from way far back ago. She had only been there a month, what was going on? He growled looking at the half moon. That was right, there would be a full moon soon enough. The "heat" in his body must have already begun to arise. It would get most out of his control during the full moon for about a week, and that would be how long he'd have to leave, for everyone's safety. He dreaded being so out of control like an untamed beast. It was the one part about being a "dog" demon he found even more irritating than the human alone. He then rubbed his head, unwanted memories flooding back. He shook it off trying to calm down, he was feeling cold.

"Sesshomaru?" called a timid voice.

"Huh?" he turned over to see Kagome in the doorway.

Her face then grew worried and she walked over to him, "Are you okay? You look scared to death and you're sweating," she then felt his forehead. Sesshomaru removed his head away from her touch and said nothing. "Um, okay." Kagome took a seat beside him.

"This Sesshomaru does not need your interference human. It's nothing that concerns you," he said coldly.

"Oh really?" Kagome said not taking him seriously, used to his attitudes by now. "I hardly doubt that that's the case, since today your mood swings have been crazy. You're not usually so unstable. So I guess for something that's not bothersome, for you, it means it is," she said looking at him sassily.

"Keh," Sesshomaru responded annoyed to receive a taste of his own medicine from what he told her earlier. He was usually good at hiding his emotions, so for the human herself to have even caught it, he could believe he was all over the place. "Even if something did bother this Sesshomaru, would you really expect for him to confide in you?"

"Why not?" she shrugged confidently. He looked at her shocked by her reaction. "You don't have anything against me. Obviously something's bothering you, and why not? You're running the whole Western Lands aren't you? It must be so stressful. I'm your servant so I guess I'd be useful somewhere other than waiting on you hand and foot, 'my Lord'." She then giggled.

Sesshomaru sighed patiently, "If you're going to be sarcastic with this Sesshomaru's title then he'd rather you not say it at all if you cannot take it seriously."

"Oh come on live a little," she said playfully bumping him with her elbow. He gave her a warning death look but she only stuck her tongue out and he sighed again. Though he was getting irritated, he hated to admit it but he did feel more relaxed around her for the moment. "You're a person too. Worry a little, laugh, smile. Even cry."

"Heh, cry? And what human do you think this is a monastery? Whatever happens in life you deal with and change what you can. Crying only makes you weak," he said looking back at the moon.

"Oh, I don't see it that way. It's a way to release, that way you can move on. At least you care when you do cry," Kagome smiled.

"Heh, taking it from a human this Sesshomaru is certain," he said with sarcasm rolling his eyes.

"Oh come on, you can't tell me you've never cried!" exclaimed Kagome unable to believe it.

"No," Sesshomaru mechanically responded, "I have not."

Kagome dropped her mouth, knowing from his first person response that he was serious. "You really seemed to look up to your father alot. You never cried when he died?"

"He died a senseless death; this Sesshomaru was more upset than tormented. And he was not too shocked, for putting so much on the line for that human, he deserved what he did. This Sesshomaru will be the ruler that my father was supposed to be, that he failed to be," he said icily.

"Oh? Is that how you see it?" Kagome mumbled. Sesshomaru froze and looked over at her. "Your father, I seen his portrait in a room over a fire place in the Eastern Wing while I was there. And he's absolutely incredible. For everything that he did. You guys never agreed obviously, but that didn't stop you from loving him. Now that I think about it, yeah. You probably haven't cried before. That's why you're so cold and always angry. You're probably really laid back. But you have too much pride so you won't cry. It's healthy for you to at least cry, once in your life."

"If that is how you see it, then you are as much of a fool as my father. Crying is never for a good thing," he said plainly. "You humans, you smile and laugh for no reason. And sometimes when you're not hurting you cry anyway when you're happy. It's all hopeless trying to understand you."

Kagome shrugged, "Yeah, we as humans are like that. But what about you? Your father tried to save a human and in doing so he lost his life to save his family I believe that's how the story went correct? So how was that so different from what you did all the times you saved me?"

"You owed me your life here, you belonged to me," he countered.

"So did Inuyasha's mother. She was his love," she said wispily.

He then got aggravated, "My intentions for you are much different than his."

Kagome shook her head, "The result was different was all. All the times you saved me, you could have died."

"Do not insult me human. Those opponents were hardly worth a fight. Over you, this Sesshomaru would not go into a battle if he was for sure his life was at risk," he stopped and thought about how he went through the fire from the day's battle.

"True," Kagome agreed stretching across the grass, "I could see that. But you'll cry one day," she nodded confidently, "And when you do, you'll have a different perspective on things. You shouldn't be so one tracked Sesshomaru." Kagome then stood up brushing the grass and dirt off of her.

"Why did you come here? Surely it could not have been out of an act of concern for this Sesshomaru?" he said suspiciously.

"Very good!" smiled Kagome sarcastically. "You're learning humans, that's exactly why I came here."

"You are strange," he decided simply.

"Good, so when there's 3 Kagomes you'll know I'm the strange one," she said putting her hands at her hips.

"Perhaps, but by the way is this not your favorite place in the castle?" he asked.

Kagome smiled looking at the moon, "It is. It's a thinking place that's for sure. This is the moon's room I feel like, it's better to come at night. I'm not too shocked about it though."

"Huh?"

"That you're here all the time too I mean Sesshomaru. You're just like the moon. We see the light you let us see, but here, on the dark side," she pointed to the left side of the moon, "what you can't see, now that's the mystery."

"This Sesshomaru is confused, was that some riddle way of telling me I'm mysterious?"

"Maybe," smiled Kagome.

"Then say so if that is the case, even though this Sesshomaru is not certain if that should be treated as a compliment."

"Treat it as whatever you like," laughed Kagome, "Isn't that what you always tell me?"

"Perhaps, but you should still be more direct," he countered.

"You're never direct with what you really mean when you say things to me," Kagome smiled darkly. Sesshomaru said nothing, "You talk to me just like that. I think today was the first time you said something you meant without making it difficult."

Sesshomaru then thought about it.

FLASHBACK:

"Her reason to fight wasn't stronger than mines," said Kagome simply while looking at her steamed unconscious body.

"Sometimes human, in battles, that's how it is. Though this Sesshomaru must admit," Kagome turned to him as he continued, "he is relieved to see that you are well."

FLASHBACK OVER.

"You don't give yourself enough credit. I believe in you, you're a good guy. Even though you don't act like it. Your pride doesn't want to see any kind of emotion but it's okay, I mean its not because I guess you made that into who you are. But you'll always be seeking. And you'll never find what it is you're looking for."

Sesshomaru growled. Her words cut deeper than any wound he's ever received from any opponent, especially since she was right with more than half the things she was talking about. What could an incompetent human know about him? Much less to have only been there for a month, to talk to him like she just knew. But no, she was human, she didn't know anything. He had to convince himself of that. But he was too upset, and he didn't like it. It made him extra upset because when he got like that, that's how he knew he heard something he needed to hear that he didn't like.

"Oh! Makato just telekinetically called me, she said if I run into you that dinner is prepared. So, I guess it's time for you to eat," she said.

Sesshomaru unexpectedly stood up startling Kagome. He turned away from her and sighed, looking at the moon. "Human, tell me, with no pentalation on your opinion. The dark side of the moon is a mystery you say? Do you think if humans, or any creature in general, knew what was on the dark side of the moon, that they would be prepared to accept the things that they would find. It may not be as beautiful as the other side, the light portion that we see. Because it is the dark side of the moon, it may be hard and intangible to grasp and get through."

Kagome looked at the moon; she then smiled and stood by his side taking his arm as a comforting gesture. "You're right. But think about how we felt when we first seen the moon and it presented itself. It may be hard to grasp, maybe even a bad taste in our mouths. But one thing that demons and humans share, we can adapt," she smiled encouragingly.

"Have you always seen complex things so simply?" he asked caught off guard by the response looking at her.

"No, it's just because if I don't, then my head will hurt and I won't understand it either," she admitted smiling goofily.

He then sighed impatiently letting loose his arm, "You are impossible," he then left her there, "Even in between the lines, humans just don't understand."

Kagome then stood there confused and looked back at the moon. Then back at him and shrugged. "I wonder what I said wrong?"

---

Next Time On I'd Rather: There's a problem that calls forth Sesshomaru to leave the castle. If things aren't handled between the demons in the region he must visit, it could potentially start a war! Along with him are his most favorite servants and Kagome as well? Then finally, we get to go into the consciousness of the story to find out why Aridon risks so much to be with Sesshomaru. How did she fall in love with such a cold monster and why is she still so persistent? It is the secret that both Sesshomaru and Aridon are keeping from the castle. And what is worse is that now we get to see part of Symphony's pychic abilities of what will, one chapter after this, be chaotic atmosphere in the castle. Next time one I'd Rather- Chapter 11: Mysterious Dark Side of the Moon Pt. I